A Nigerian mother has criticised Madonna University over its decision to expel a final-year nursing student and suspend 14 others after they were reportedly found recording a dance video inside a hospital.

The students, who were said to be in their final year of nursing studies, allegedly filmed the video in a hospital waiting area while dressed in their official nursing uniforms.

Reacting to the incident in a video, the woman acknowledged that the students’ conduct was inappropriate and crossed professional boundaries.

She stressed that nursing is a profession that demands discipline and proper conduct, particularly when students are wearing uniforms that identify them as members of the nursing profession.

According to her, the hospital environment should not be treated as a location for creating social media content, and the students should have understood the professional implications of their actions.

‘That Content Is Not Welcoming’

The woman also criticised the caption reportedly attached to the video, which read, “No Fall Sick Na Gen Z Full Hospital.”

She said the statement could be disturbing to patients and their families because it might create the impression that people seeking medical attention had little hope of receiving adequate care.> “That content is not warming. It’s not welcoming especially for the patients,” she said.

Although she agreed that the students should face disciplinary measures, the mother strongly disagreed with the decision to expel one of them.

‘The Expulsion Is Too Harsh’

She described the expulsion as disproportionate, particularly because the incident involved a dance video and there was no report indicating that a patient was harmed as a result of the students’ actions.> “Do I agree with the punishment? The expulsion is too harsh,” she stated.

The woman noted that the affected student had already reached the final stage of a demanding academic programme after spending several years in school, paying tuition and completing clinical training.> “For a final year student, sleepless nights, school fees for five years, clinic has gone. Just like that. For a first time offence and it’s a dance video,” she said.

She questioned whether alternative disciplinary measures, including counselling, warnings or suspension, could have been considered before the university resorted to expulsion.> “No patient was harmed. No drugs were stolen. What does counselling say? Punishment should correct and not destroy,” she added.

Calls for Madonna University to Reconsider Expulsion

The mother also supported calls reportedly made by the National Association of Nigerian Nursing Students for the university to reconsider the expulsion and impose a less severe punishment.

She described the appeal as reasonable and urged the institution to review the decision, suggesting that the affected student could instead face a lengthy suspension.> “Pamper justice with mercy,” she said.

She maintained that the students should not be shielded from the consequences of their actions, but argued that disciplinary measures should also provide an opportunity for them to understand their mistakes and improve their professional conduct.

Mother Advocates Digital Ethics in Nursing Education

Beyond the immediate disciplinary action, the woman called on universities and other training institutions to incorporate digital ethics into the education of nursing students.

She argued that the increasing influence of social media among young people makes it important for students to understand where online trends end and professional responsibilities begin.> “These Gen Z students, they don’t know boundary between trend and professional,” she said.

According to her, the incident should serve as a learning opportunity for both students and educational institutions, particularly regarding the responsible use of social media while in professional uniforms and clinical environments.

She concluded that while the students’ actions warranted disciplinary action, she did not believe expelling a final-year student was an appropriate response.> “Is expulsion justifiable? No. Is discipline needed? Yes,” she said.